The Religious Freedom Restoration Act, appeared last month to have been stalled, after the House sent it to a committee, rather than passing it, however the House and Senate have both approved a conference report on the bill.

The bill bans authorities from placing a “burden” on “a person’s right to the exercise of religion”, and could be used to protect business owners who discriminate against LGBT people.

According to reports, Republican Governor Phil Bryant released a statement on Wednesday saying he was proud of the measure, and that he pledged to sign it.

Mississippi currently has no anti-discrimination laws to protect LGBT people, and the bill passed on Tuesday could allow religious business owners to turn away gay or lesbian customers, based on religious belief.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) pointed to the fact that other states had rejected similar bills.